Smack-bang in the center of the continental United States, Kansas straddles regions and cultures. With its amber grain fields and picture-perfect farmhouses, this Great Plains state serves classic Midwestern looks. Plus, its barbecue joints showcase Southern hospitality. And don’t overlook its Wild West-style cowboy culture—one of the best things to do in Kansas is the rodeo circuit. Whether you head to Wichita for its museums, visit the Brown vs. Board of Education Historic Site in the capital of Topeka, or attend a Native American cultural festival, the Sunflower State is much more than Dorothy’s tornado-swept home.
Kansas is a state that experiences all four seasons. Visit in the fall for harvest and cider festivals; see its snowy side in the winter; and explore Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and the lakes of Clinton and Cheney State Parks in the warmer seasons. Summer is also a good time to take in the state’s county fairs, baseball games, and jazz festivals—just note that, while twisters are rare, April to June is tornado season in these parts.
Kansas is bisected by scenic byways and highways—even the iconic Route 66 makes a brief dip into the state. But if you’re not driving yourself, you’ve got other options. The Sunflower State’s biggest hubs, including Wichita and Kansas City, have international airports and operate bus networks. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief route makes multiple stops across Kansas on its long journey from Chicago to Los Angeles. Greyhound Bus services crisscross the state, too.
According to stereotypes, Kansas is flat as a pancake, with little variety to its endless cornfields. But the Sunflower State is home to more impressive natural scenery than it gets credit for. Monument Rocks National Landmark features soaring chalk rock formations, while Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park has craggy scenery that’s straight out of an Old West photo. The Flint Hills region of eastern Kansas features rolling hills and a unique tallgrass prairie ecosystem.
